SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO SGTM 5 B Attitudes & Behaviour “Cultural Awareness”

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Structure of Presentation u What is Culture? u Understanding Cultural differences u Dealing with Cultural differences u Case studies

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Culture A shared system of u meanings, u beliefs, u values u behaviours through which experience is interpreted and carried out

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Culture Is.. u Relative u Learned u Collective u Changes over time u Complex responsive process

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Forces Shaping Individual Culture Personal Culture Values World-views Beliefs Behaviours Urbanization Migration Minority Experience Cross- cultural Adjustments Profession GenderLanguage Education Industrialization Social background Ethnic background Religion NationalismColonisation

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Dangers! u Stereotypes u Prejudice u Ethno-centric perspectives

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Culture – In Peace Operations Civilians – Civilians (International) International actors Local communities CULTURE Military – Military (International) Military – Civilians (Organizational) Local Communities

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Eating habits u Asia - chop sticks u Europe - knife and fork u Clean right hand in some countries u Common plate

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Eating habits u Beef u Pork u Horse u “Everything that moves”

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Eating habits u Pork not eaten by Muslims for religious reasons u Christians keep horses, dogs and cats as pets u Fish is neutral

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Religion u Religion – an important place in many societies u Knowledge of religion of host nation very important u Respect religious beliefs

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Family and Gender u Elders are highly respected in some cultures u Understand family ties u Different gender beliefs and views

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Communication u Language is culture specific u Avoid use of idiomatic expressions u Humour

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Body Language u Gesture/body language have different meanings u Smile will never be misunderstood u Polite handshake is accepted in most cultures

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Dress Code u Depends on culture, customs, traditions and climate u Adapt to local customs

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Traffic u Peacekeeper die in traffic accidents u Different traffic conditions u Respect local traffic laws u Adapt to local conditions

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Understanding Cultural differences Time u People have different concept of time u Need to understand u “You have the clock, we have the time”

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Building Cultural Awareness u Understand your own culture u Understand and accept logic of other cultural frameworks u Cultural differences as unique and creative problem-solving opportunity

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Host Country’s Culture u Knowledge of history, culture, customs and traditions u Background for the conflict u Expectations from “Blue Berets”

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Cultural Shock u Unfamiliar: –Language –Climate –Currency –Road signs –Colleagues u Adaptation process

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO The Adaptation Stages u Honeymoon u Initial confrontation u Adjustment crisis u Recovery

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO The Adaptation Stages STAGESITUATIONAPPROACHREACTION Honeymoon First exciting contact with new culture ObserveExcitement;Curiosity; Slight concern Initial confrontation First intensive feeling with new culture Solve problems in familiar ways Confusion; Mystified about; Others behaviour

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO The Adaptation Stages STAGESITUATIONAPPROACHREACTION Adjustment crisis Problems intensify Experimentation with new behaviours Frustration;Anger; Confusion about Recovery Sense of belonging to culture emerges New strategies to help one function effectively New culture is understandable; Enjoying many aspect of it

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Maintaining Good Relations u Between military and civilian u With other military contingents u Team work

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Cultural Awareness “If you are u Humble u Respectful u Friendly you will always be fine”

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Case Studies u The market place u The toilet experience u To walk hand in hand u Movement control at the airport u The gift

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Summary u Cultural awareness is increased by giving you the most common examples u This is the first step to handle cultural differences positively, avoid conflicts due to misperception and to make you interact positively with host cultures

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Summary u Closely related to “Code of Conduct”, where you get written rules. u In culture you may find few written rules, but make sure, you know and obey them

SGTM TES / Mil Div / DPKO Questions ?